Rising since 1987, #5,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Halimah since 1975
Babies named Halimah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 71 |
| 1990s | 95 |
| 2000s | 139 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 106 |
Meaning & origin
Halimah is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'gentle' or 'forbearing,' rooted in the concept of forbearance and mild temper. It holds historic significance as the name of Halimah bint Abi Dhu'ayb, the wet nurse of the Prophet Muhammad, and carries cultural weight across the Muslim world. In the United States, Halimah first appeared in records in 1975 and currently ranks 5,410 as of 2025. Its popularity has been gradually rising since 1987, and its peak year was 2025, with approximately 1 in 69,881 girls receiving the name. The top state for this name is Texas, reflecting its appeal in regions with significant Muslim communities. Despite its relatively low rank, Halimah maintains a steady presence, appreciated for its spiritual and cultural resonance.
Halimah is the feminine form of the Arabic name Halim, which derives from the root Ḥ-L-M, meaning 'forbearance,' 'gentleness,' or 'clemency.' The name is historically significant as the name of Halimah bint Abi Dhu'ayb, the wet nurse of the Prophet Muhammad. It has long been favored in Muslim families across the Arabic-speaking world and beyond.
Where Halimah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Halimah” around the world
Where Halimah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hali, Lima, Hima
Sibling names for Halimah
Names that share Halimah's style, for a brother or sister.
